Ask the Trainer: Brenda Kelly
Training and preparing for international events and more
As a trainer who competes internationally, how do you prepare your dog for travel and to be ready to go when you get there?
Brenda: Travel preparation starts when the dogs are puppies. Socializing them well and exposing them to many different environments, noises, flooring, movements, etc. They need to be able to be relaxed and confident in chaotic environments since crowded or tight spaces like airports and shuttle buses can be stressful. Of course, that kind of training also consists of basic life skills, but it’s even more critical for international travelers.
I also make sure that we give ourselves at least two, preferably three days of acclimation before we compete. They can get jetlagged as we do, and while I think they bounce back faster than us humans, we need to account for that transition.
How does your training change if it is an international event like WAC, versus a club trial, regional championship or even Cynosport®?
Brenda: I look at all local trials as part of our regular training program — cycles of skill work, conditioning, bodywork and coursework. For regional, national and international events, there is very little difference in terms of preparation. Any events I would consider a significant competition, I want James to be well-rested and at his peak performance mentally and physic
ally.
I usually stop trialing at least two to three weeks before major events and back off from full coursework. I’ll concentrate on tuning up particular skills and continuing our bodywork and conditioning regimen. Depending on the amount of travel required, James often gets three to four days of complete downtime before the event (except for bodywork as needed).
Brenda Kelly is an accomplished instructor, clinician and canine trigger point therapist. She is no stranger to international competition; she was a medalist and participated successfully on seven world teams in recent years. This will be the third consecutive year for Brenda and James to represent Team USA at IFCS, as they competed in The Netherlands in 2022 and the U.K. in 2023. Outside of agility, the pair love dock diving, hiking and playing conditioning games.